Best TV shows of the year 2024, 40-31: Until I Kill You, Shōgun and more

As a dedicated fan of all things entertainment, I must say that 2023 was a year filled with captivating stories and unforgettable performances. From the heartwarming rom-com “Nobody Wants This” to the gripping historical drama “Masters of the Air”, it’s clear that content creators are pushing boundaries and delivering quality work.

Even though the Christmas festivities have ended, there’s no need for the brilliance of quality TV programming to dim along with the holiday decorations.

To make the chilly winter months more delightful, why not celebrate the finest offerings on our television screens as we welcome the new year?

40. Kaos

Available on Netflix

In a fresh take, Charlie Covell presents an innovative dark comedy that offers a contemporary twist on the Greek pantheon of gods, giving these ancient characters a revitalized presence in today’s world.

Jeff Goldblum plays the arrogant and self-centered King of the Gods, Zeus, who becomes alarmed upon discovering a wrinkle on his forehead, fearing it signals the fulfillment of a prophecy predicting his demise. As his suspicions prove valid, it’s revealed that Zeus’s former friend and current captive, Prometheus (Stephen Dillane), is devising a strategy – involving three unknowing humans – to overthrow him.

39. America’s Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders

Available on Netflix

2024 might not have been your best year musically if AC/DC’s “Thunderstruck” wasn’t featured in your Spotify Year in Review, as its absence suggests you missed out on the captivating story told in the Netflix documentary America’s Sweethearts. This summer wasn’t about Brats; it was all about Sweethearts! In this year, Netflix showcased the inspiring journey of aspiring Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders as they battled through a rigorous selection process to reach the iconic AT&T Stadium field.

This narrative encompasses drama, tension, triumphs, and setbacks, as a diverse group of gifted women hailing from various professions across the U.S., ranging from caregivers to florists, unite in their passion for mastering their craft, despite minimal monetary rewards. While the story is filled with cheers and energetic performances, director Greg Whiteley also delves into heavier themes, scrutinizing the toll that intense competition takes on athletes, even the toughest ones. Don’t miss the renowned Thunderstruck dance, and stay for an unfiltered look at how everything comes together behind the scenes.

38. Shōgun

Available on Disney Plus

The wonderful television series “Shogun,” which gained popularity in the 1970s and was adapted from James Clavell’s novel, features Cosmo Jarvis as John Blackthorne, a brave English seafarer who embarks on a journey to feudal Japan at the dawn of the 17th century.

In contrast to the rigid honor systems, social norms, and turbulent political climate of that era, Jack Seale’s narrative presents an intriguing twist on the courtship between our protagonist and the fallen noblewoman Lady Mariko (Anna Sawai). This drama, rich in evocative details, unfolds as an epic tale. – Paraphrased by AI

37. Until I Kill You

Available on ITVX

In the gripping true-crime series “Until I Kill You,” Anna Maxwell Martin delivered arguably the best performance of her career – an impressive feat given her extensive history of remarkable roles. However, even surpassing her own exceptional standards, her portrayal of Delia Balmer stood out as exceptionally noteworthy.

Unknowingly, Balmer entered into a dangerous romance with an individual who was a repeated murderer and sex offender. She narrowly escaped becoming a victim herself, as the chilling account unfolds in a way that is both raw and tactful.

This chilling tale captivates us with its haunting allure, tapping into our shared fascination with the macabre. However, what truly sets Until I Kill You apart as a remarkable TV series is not just the storytelling, but also Maxwell’s exceptional portrayal.

Balmer’s account unfolds; it portrays how the offender intruded upon her life, rather than the reverse, a common oversight in true crime narratives. Unlike many such dramas, this narrative does not romanticize him or delve into his psyche, hence I choose to remain anonymous about the perpetrator.

Primarily, Until I Kill You underscores the extraordinary resilience and grace exhibited by Balmer amid unimaginable terror. It serves as a testament to everything she represents, despite him, rather than due to his influence.

In a rapidly growing field, Until I Kill You sets the standard. – Abby Robinson, Drama Editor (Paraphrased)

36. Love Is Blind UK

Available on Netflix

Without a doubt, the eagerly anticipated Love Is Blind UK lived up to expectations. Co-hosted by Matt and Emma Willis, 30 brand-new singletons embarked on an unparalleled experience when they were introduced to the pods for the first time.

As a film enthusiast, I must say that I’ve been keeping up with the popular dating show Love Is Blind. But for British viewers like myself, the recent season offered a unique twist – characters we could truly connect with and embark on a heartfelt romantic voyage alongside each and every one of them.

As a movie critic, I found myself captivated by the unique storyline of Freddie and Catherine’s wedding saga. Unlike other couples, their journey was shrouded in uncertainty, with twists and turns both within and beyond the pods that kept viewers guessing along with the couple themselves.

35. Passenger

Available on ITVX

As a devoted fan of Stranger Things and a Northerner, it’s no surprise that I was perfectly suited for ITV’s Passenger, given its similarities to Stranger Things but set in the North of England.

Wunmi Mosaku, known for her diverse acting roles, portrays a tough-as-nails detective whose work happiness is at an all-time low due to being assigned repetitive, unimportant tasks. However, when a local girl goes missing and bizarre occurrences start happening around town, she finds herself in a situation she’s unprepared for. Andrew Buchan’s script skillfully builds suspense by gradually revealing the plot twists to keep viewers hooked.

Without forgetting to bring up the final episode, I must say it was hurried and disappointingly vague, offering no definitive answers or hints of a second season. Yet, despite these shortcomings, it left me craving for more, and its daring departure from conventional prime-time British crime dramas made it an engaging, distinctive viewing experience that certainly makes a compelling case for further episodes.

What are you waiting for, ITV?! – Abby Robinson, Drama Editor

34. Eric

Available on Netflix

In my opinion, Abi Morgan’s masterfully created Netflix series, “Good Day Sunshine,” leaves me breathless with its heart-wrenching, spellbinding, and innovative qualities all rolled into one. Benedict Cumberbatch, renowned for his role as Sherlock, gives an exceptional performance as the grieving father Vincent. He uses his son’s drawings and his own puppet show to try and bring him back home. However, it is McKinley Belcher III who truly steals the scene with his captivating portrayal of Detective Michael Ledroit. This series reaches new heights thanks to his performance.

Morgan Cormack, a drama writer, points out an unexpected yet clever approach in their series. The inclusion of a large, blue puppet character might initially seem like a risky move, but it swiftly makes sense when you understand that Eric serves as an extension of the main character Vincent’s mind, adding humor to an otherwise heavy narrative. Cormack describes this drama as a clever ‘Trojan Horse,’ luring viewers in with one storyline, only to deliver emotional impacts through its broader network of stories addressing themes such as corruption, racism, and homelessness. This type of storytelling demands your full focus and leaves a lasting impression long after viewing.

33. The Boys

Available on Prime Video

This year being an election year in the U.S., it was only natural for The Boys to delve deeper into politics than ever before. And they certainly did, going all-in on their political satire. The satire of The Boys has always been quite overt and obvious, but that’s what makes it so effective. Given the large and bold political climate in America, as well as globally, the satire needs to be just as big and brash to keep up.

According to James Hibbs, a drama writer, season 4 of the show might be its most contentious yet due to mixed reactions from viewers. The slow beginning may have contributed to this divisiveness, but as the action intensified and the series’ characteristic chaos unfolded, it turned out to be a powerful precursor to the finale, which is among the strongest and most ominous in the show’s history. With only five episodes left before the series concludes (and fans may have to resort to spin-offs for their superhero fix), they will undoubtedly hope and anticipate that it ends satisfactorily.

32. Nobody Wants This

Available on Netflix

This romantic comedy follows an unconventional romance between Joanne, played by Kristen Bell, a podcast host discussing sex and relationships with little faith, and Noah, portrayed by Adam Brody, a rabbi highly respected in the local Jewish community who is on the brink of being appointed as head rabbi at his temple.

Despite their seemingly hopeless situation on the surface, there’s an irresistible pull between them, much like how a certain type of ham mysteriously disappears whenever Noah’s mother thinks nobody’s looking.

In an era where comedy-dramas seem to dominate (it’s almost as if they forgot about pure laughter!), Nobody Wants This stands out remarkably with its abundance of humorous moments, all while immersing viewers deeply into a relationship they can’t help but support wholeheartedly.

I found myself captivated not only by the intricate dance of Joanne and Noah’s relationship, but also by the enigmatic interaction between their siblings, Morgan and Sasha, portrayed masterfully by Justine Lupe from Succession and Timothy Simons from Veep. This sibling dynamic is complex, tantalizing, and immensely entertaining to observe – it might even eclipse the appeal of Joanne and Noah’s relationship, making Nobody Wants This stand out in the crowded romantic comedy landscape.

Season 2 cannot arrive quickly enough. – Abby Robinson, Drama Editor

31. Masters of the Air

Available on Apple TV+

Approximately two decades since Band of Brothers and over a decade past The Pacific, another facet of America’s involvement in World War II unfolds into a rich yet intensely emotional narrative. This time, we soar alongside the 100th Bomb Group, also known as the Bloody Hundredth. Their bombing missions across continental Europe, initiated from a British base, played a crucial role in maintaining pressure on Germany.

In this acclaimed show, the courageous yet emotional performances of its characters starkly juxtapose against the backdrop of terror and grief. The series skillfully blends heartfelt human narratives with high-octane action, ensuring a compelling viewing experience that matches its substantial budget.

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2024-12-27 10:34